So if I got this for my HP Desktop [Windows 8] It is pretty much a plug in to my USB correct ? My Wi-Fi bars will increase for sure ? will it guide me to install pretty easy with my newest version of windows 8 ? Thanks So if I got this for my HP Desktop [Windows 8] It is pretty much a plug in to my USB correct ? My Wi-Fi bars will increase for sure ? will it guide me to install pretty easy with my newest version... » Read More So if I got this for my HP Desktop [Windows 8] It is pretty much a plug in to my USB correct ? My Wi-Fi bars will increase for sure ? will it guide me to install pretty easy with my newest version of windows 8 ? Thanks « Show Less
44536
There's a installation disc. Then it lets you know of all the open wifi in the area & you can lock onto one of them. Or if you use it on your own wifi you can increase the distance from your home & yes the bars will increase
44537
Yes it will increase your network range. However the cd isn't a straight install for windows 8. But searching online you can easily install it for windows 8 with full functionality just a few extra steps. And yes just plug it into your usb and it will bring up a new network card that you use to connect to WiFi.
44538
Yes, I've used this on Windows 8 and it just worked. I did not install any drivers or run the install disc. It recognizes my laptop's Card and the Alfa at the same time. Hope this is helpful.
44539
I used instruction to installed and it was very clear what to do there. First you use installation CD and then you will be promoted to connect wifi adapter to one of your USB ports. After that you have to find your wireless network and enter the name of your network and password. And yes using this device solved my bad wireless connection problem. Good luck.
1478866
No what this does is boost the WiFi signal in your area. It comes with an install disk. I had some problems installing it in my Windows 8.1, but since then I have worked out the bugs. It really does pick up all the WiFi signals in your area. Without this powerlink, I was only able to pick up 4-5 signals, but with powerlink I now can pick up 20+. It can help you find the unsecured networks in your area if they are further away. It will not help you connect with secure networks if you do not have the password. I hope this helps answer your question.
718675
Thanks for the info in re do-it-yourself upgrading to 2GB. I have a HP 210-1040 NR and would like to try an upgrade but would need at least basic instructions before I opened up my computer. Are such available, as far as you know? Thanks.
1999325
The previous people writing on this are wrong (at least for this 2014 model), you do NOT need to connect it via the USB port to your PC. I plugged it into my network, went to the MagicJack web site, and it "found" it via the network, no USB connection needed. It really was trivially easy to get it working. You do not even need a PC to get it working, or when using it.
1179606
per the product description: yesAlso, if you have not been subject to window 8 yet, try it out at your local computer store before ordering a Win 8 machine. Make sure you like how it works (it makes me mental). If you dont like it, make sure you get "Classic Shell" (google it) as the much vaunted windows 8.1 upgrade isn't near what they claim it will be from an end user perspective. I highly recommend "Classic Shell" to maintain save your self mental anguish.
1632037
Here are the "Ifs": USB port on laptop, and WIFI hotspot (public or your own private). Yes, this device will connect you to the internet after installation. With Win 7, you plug this into the USB port and wait for the message saying it's installed. Also comes with mini-CD and instructions. Labeled for IEEE 802.11 b/g/n WIFI. I've used this on a laptop (that already had a slower WIFI card--this was a cheap upgrade!), on a desktop computer....It turns the computer into WIFI capable computer (great for updates; our library system has a special office we can do this at). Our local library is a free (and fast) WIFI hotspot. With WIFI network "n", it does get 300Mbps. Here are the "Ifs": USB port on laptop, and WIFI hotspot (public or your own private). Yes, this device will connect you to the internet after installation. With Win 7, you plug this into the USB port and wait for the message saying it's installed. Also comes with mini-CD and instructions. Labeled for IEEE 802.11 b/g/n WIFI. I've used this on a laptop (that already had a slower WIFI card--this was a cheap upgrade!), on a desktop computer....It turns the computer into WIFI capable computer (great for updates; our library system has a special office we can do this at). Our local... » Read More Here are the "Ifs": USB port on laptop, and WIFI hotspot (public or your own private). Yes, this device will connect you to the internet after installation. With Win 7, you plug this into the USB port and wait for the message saying it's installed. Also comes with mini-CD and instructions. Labeled for IEEE 802.11 b/g/n WIFI. I've used this on a laptop (that already had a slower WIFI card--this was a cheap upgrade!), on a desktop computer....It turns the computer into WIFI capable computer (great for updates; our library system has a special office we can do this at). Our local library is a free (and fast) WIFI hotspot. With WIFI network "n", it does get 300Mbps. « Show Less
1234414
Works fine with Win 8. I just plugged it in and it found a compatible driver by itself.I also downloaded the new Win 8 driver from the manufacturer to try and squeeze a few more MB out of it. Didn't make a difference.One more point. This is my second one of these. The first got the connector bent and that was the end of it. So be aware the USB connector is a mechanical weak point when plugged in. Now I have it on an extender cable and laying on its side. Really like it though.
2010812
Typically I've found that this adapter needs HP drivers installed to function stably and properly. I've installed many of these up through windows 7 64bit. I would check HP's website for drivers and compatibility with windows 8.
2256505
I had the exact same experience with my HP Envy Sleek book and Windows 8.1. However, I had emailed several times to HP support about the problem and finally received an email from HP with an HP wireless driver update. After downloading and installing the update I again had the option to "add wireless device" and followed the instructions to install the Actiontec and it worked!!! Another note is that it only works on HDTV screens of 40" and larger??? The software update info: Mediatek 802.11 WIFI adapter for Windows 8.1 - File version 4.0.100.1189 - Product version: 5.0.37.0 - 31.9 MB - Created 4/24/14 - Original filename: stub32i.exe - Once the Actiontec wireless device is loaded, it connects automatically. I have done several Power Point presentations and it worked perfectly!!! Good Luck!!!
1990720
This is compatible with Windows 8, I use it on an Acer S7 running Windows 8 myself. But you need a USB 3 port and it does not look like the HP laptop you mentioned has it.
1217838
Positive: it almost certainly costs less. Positive: it's very simple to install - just plug it in a USB port.Negative: it will take up one of your USB ports while in use.Negative: it might not have the wireless range of a PCI wireless network card.
1106672
Pay careful attention to the models. You can update for Win 8 at Premiertek's site if needed, but should work with 8 just fine. I know this model does:POWERLINK Speedy2 Wireless 300Mbps 802.11b/g/n MIMO USB Adapter 28dBm w/Dual High Gain 5dBi Dipole Antenna Improving 6X Signal Reception and 3x Speed For PC MAC and Linux
343931
Hi F. Lee ~~ The key to good wi-fi connections seems to be to upgrade programs and drivers on any device. As for Windows 8, I LOVE it! It's intuitive, practical and fun. Take that naysayers. :) The Acer Iconia is fast, the screen is beautiful, and it's reliable.
606068
Not sure why you want this, the HP 650 has WLAN (802.11b/g/n (maybe it's not working?), it should work fine with the USB 3.0 ports (even though USB 2.0 is what this is built for, you'll lose some speed, but for the price, can't beat it). I've used on Win 8.x/7/10 Tech Preview/etc. I used the Vista drivers that came on the CD - that's working fine. Again, the HP 650 has built-in WLAN already. If you are having problems with the Notebook, feel free to ping me, happy to help resolve.
1849574
Guy, If you have a 6Mbps download speed from your ISP, you'll still have the same 6Mbps speed after installing this or any similar adapter. What it does do is improve your network speed in your home or office. I installed it on my PC because I had been using just the WiFi for Internet access. With this card installed, and a wired connection to my PC, I have seen faster up/download speeds. But not faster than the bandwidth I'm paying the ISP for. We have an 802.11n WiFi system in place. Hope that answers your question. David
503547
I used the ( downloaded) manual from Internet, however when I put Windows 8.1 on my laptop recently it did not work anymore as it did before using Windows 8. Contacted IOGEAR and they wrote me they are working on a solution to let it run on Windos 8.1 as well, to be expected in March. Succes and if you have any futher questions please do not hesistate. Jan Pinxter
1271503
You need to make sure your laptop or desktop has Wi-Fi (wireless) connectivity. Also, it's od idea to buy from vendor you know and trust. I had two HP Wi-Fi mice go bad on me